rECOrd

Why do we need Local Record Centres?

There are many organisations and individuals that hold information about wildlife, habitat and species (biological records) within the country. It is difficult and time consuming to find out all the necessary information about a particular type of species for example if a rare bird is breeding at a particular site which then becomes under threat with only one person knowing this the bird is then at risk because this knowledge has not been passed on. This is why it is important and makes al lot more sense, for all biological records to be held at one location, it allows for protection of endangered species/habitats and earlier identification. It also helps for planning decisions as they then can be based on more accurate, up-to-date information about the local environment.

                                                    The National Biodiversity Network (NBN) is aiming to develop a distributed national store of biological information. Cheshire has been chosen as the location for this national project, whilst there are similar projects being carried out in Scotland and Wales. The aim of the local record centres is for them to be locally coordinated for biological records and to link with the National Biodiversity  Network (NBN). See the NBN website for full details: www.nbn.org.uk.

There are already over 100 independantly developed local Record Centres in the UK. These centres range from small projects run by volunteers, to major projects that maintain large databases and employ several staff. The aim of the local record centres is to set the standards for establishing effective centres which will be managed and run by the cooperation between the local organisations and individuals throughout the UK.

What is RECORD?

RECORD is a non-profit making company, limited by guarantee, and is also a charity. RECORD is the Local Record Centre for the Cheshire region. The company was set up in mid 2000 and a manager was put in post to develop the centre through its implementation/establishment phase in October of the same year. RECORD went on to achieve charitable status on the 6th February 2003.

The main aim of the independant organisation is to provide as wide access as it is possible to both species and habitat records for the Cheshire region commensurate with protecting those self-same species and habitats.

How does RECORD work?

RECORD aims to collate all terrestrial, freshwater and marine records, from Cheshire, Halton, Warrington, the Wirral, and the old Vice-County boundary covering most of Trafford, Stockport and Tameside. Wildlife organisations will provide much of the biological information, but the majority will be supplied by individual members of the public, ensuring a community based project in which everyone can be involved. RECORD holds data for species, habitats and sites.

RECORD ensures that all the information provided is reliable, accurate and validated data (e.g. species counts) as many biological records are sensitive/confidential (e.g. the location of badger setts).

RECORD currently holds almost 1 million records and expects this to expand even further over the next 12-

 months. However, we urgently need your help to increase the number and particularly the diversity of biological records. If you see any wild animals or plants in your area please do get in touch with us: 01244 383749 or info@rECOrd-LRC.co.uk .

How can I get involved with RECORD?

You do not have to be an expert to get involved with RECORD. Anyone can start making biological records. Enthusiastic amateurs have a very important part to play.  You can start by making a diary of animals you see in your garden or local park and if  this increases your interest then why not join the local recording group in the Cheshire region. New members are always welcome and there are many training opportunities available.

RECORD would be pleased to receive any information about plants or animals which you may have. Observations might come from trips to the countryside or simply from your own backyard. No matter how trivia you think the record is, it will be useful to us, so do not hesitate to get in touch.

If you wish to send us any information, we collate all terrestrial, freshwater and marine records, and the basic facts we need to know are:-

• Your Name, Address and Telephone number,
• Species Name,
  
• Site where the observation was made,
  
• OS Grid Reference for the Site (if you don't know how to do this we can help, give us a ring),
  
• Date of Observation (e.g. 13/12/1998).
  
• Any further information is always useful (e.g. numbers, sexes, habits, etc.).
  

Records can be sent to the centre for inputting to the database via paper records, computerised records via e-mail (info@rECOrd-LRC.co.uk), on record forms via our website (www.rECOrd-LRC.co.uk), or on the recording sheet which is downloadable from our web-site. If you would like to help RECORD further by learning to become a recorder, assisting us in our office, or in any other way, please contact us at the address below.

We hope that you realise how important supplying a Local Record Centre with biological data is for helping both the environment, individual species, assisting research and aiding decision-making processes.

Contact:
RECORD
Oakfield House
Chester Zoological Gardens
Upton
Chester
CH2 1LH
Tel: 01244 383749 / 383569
Fax: 01244 383569
Email: info@rECOrd-LRC.co.uk
Website: www.rECOrd-LRC.co.uk